How Fit Are You? Take These 3 Self-Tests to Find Out

This Week's Tips

Have a New Year's resolution or two looming on the horizon? Of course you do! And we bet getting in better shape made the top of your 2012 to-do list, just like ours. Are you wondering how far you have to go? Looking in the mirror (sucking in that belly or not) isn't always the best fitness gauge.
Warm up for 5 minutes (march in place, swinging your arms), then try these three tests to see where you stand:

How flexible are you? Sit on the floor with your legs straight in front of you, slightly apart. Extend your arms, place one hand on top of the other (fingertips forward), and reach for the space between your feet. Women under 46: You should be able to reach 2 to 4 inches past your feet. Older? Aim for your soles. Men under 46: You should be able to reach your soles. Older? Aim to be within 3 to 4 inches of them. (What's your BMI? Find out now!)

How's your heart? If your doc says you can, exercise for 18 minutes at 80% to 85% of your max heart rate (for men, 220 minus your age; for women, 208 minus .82 times your age), then do 3 more minutes all out. Check your pulse. Rest 2 minutes and check it again. It should drop about 66 beats. The faster it drops, the fitter you are. (Are you at risk for heart disease? Take this quiz to find out!)